VERIFY: Will I still get my mail during the shutdown? Can I get a passport?

We answer two of the most common questions we've gotten from our viewers about the government shutdown.

Author:
Cristin Severance, Mila Mimica

Published:
11:46 AM PST January 22, 2019

Updated:
3:56 PM PST January 24, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. — KGW News has been answering your questions about the government shutdown since it began more than a month ago, and two questions have popped up often:

Will I still get my mail?

We can Verify your mail delivery by the USPS is not affected by the shutdown. The USPS is an independent entity funded through the sale of their products and services, not taxpayer dollars.

Their operations are not affected by the shutdown, so your mail delivery will go on as usual.

Can I get a passport?

Though the State Department was affected by the partial shutdown, passport services continue without any effect. If you've made an appointment at a U.S. State Department passport agency or center, do not cancel it! It'll go on during the shutdown.

If you have any questions about getting a passport, you should call 1-877-487-2778 or click here.

In fact, last week, Pres. Trump recalled thousands of State Department employees to work without pay. Embassies around the world are now staffed, as are the State Department headquarters in Washington, DC. Those employees will be going back to work starting this week.